Tag Archives: nutrition tips

When plasma cells in the blood become cancerous and form several tumors, the result is known as multiple myeloma. Nutritional diet choices, in conjunction with cancer immunotherapy, can help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence of this form of tumors.

Rebuilding the Blood Supply

Plasma cells are one of the body’s primary weapons against bacteria and other invaders. When they become cancerous, it can trigger anemia, leaving the body vulnerable to infections.

– Heme iron, from animal-based foods, is more readily absorbed by the body. Liver and other red meats are rich sources of heme iron, while non-heme iron can be found in beans, nuts and leafy greens such as spinach.

– Folate is a form of vitamin B that’s involved in production of red and white blood cells. Increase folate intake with asparagus, beef liver, broccoli, spinach and beans cooked from their dried forms.

– Vitamin B-12 teams up with folate to make red blood cells. Good sources of B-12 include fish, beef, poultry (including eggs) and dairy. Several brands of breakfast cereals and non-dairy milks are fortified with B-12.

Some multiple myeloma patients end up with a vitamin D deficiency after cancer immunotherapy. Sunlight is a great source of natural vitamin D, while food sources include tuna, egg yolks and fortified dairy products.

Our Issels® immunotherapy for cancer programs are integrative, combining different approaches that focus on the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Good nutrition is essential to keeping your immune system running at maximum strength to target and attack cancer cells.

Eating Right to Fight Cancer

Nutritional immunotherapy for cancer focuses on creating a diet that allows the body to break down and utilize food with maximum efficiency. It goes beyond finding the proper balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats to include choosing foods in their natural state that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Consuming foods in the right combination is another important element of nutritional immunotherapy. The correct balance of acids and alkalines improves cell and tissue health while preventing undue strain on digestive organs.

How Poor Nutrition Affects Health

Research has discovered links between the development of cancer and poor nutritional habits such as excessive consumption of red meat and high-fat foods. Metabolic stress has also been found to diminish the effectiveness of the immune system and deplete muscle strength.

Our immunotherapy treatments are individually tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. Nutritional programs are designed to correct nutritional deficiencies, support optimum functioning of the immune system and other organs, and boost the level of nutrients that increase NK cell activity.

Immunotherapy Offers Hope for Cancer Patients

Other non-toxic immunotherapy for cancer programs at Issels® include vaccines, stem cell treatments and systemic hyperthermia. Visit our website to read and hear testimonials from patients who have been successfully treated for leukemia, carcinoma, melanoma and many other forms of cancer.

Have you been hearing about the dietary benefits of probiotics? These live microorganisms found in fermented dairy products create a balance of “good” bacteria in your gut. In addition to promoting digestive health, probiotics appear to have properties that serve as protection against cancer.

Yogurt is one of the more publicized sources of probiotics. Look for brands that include “live and active cultures.”

Sauerkraut

The pasteurization process kills probiotics, so opt for the unpasteurized variety, which also includes vitamins that help prevent infections. If you like it on the spicy side, the popular Korean dish kimchi has the same properties.

Soft Cheeses

Probiotics are sometimes too fragile to survive in the digestive tract, but certain types found in fermented soft cheeses such as Gouda hold up well.

Kefir

During immunotherapy for cancer, beverages may be easier on your stomach than food. Kefir is a yogurt-like drink that originated with the shepherds in Eurasia’s Caucasus Mountains.

Sourdough Bread

The organisms that give sourdough bread its distinctive tang are loaded with probiotics.

Supplements

While probiotics come in convenient capsule, tablet, liquid and powder forms, they lack the additional nutrients provided by foods and beverages. Talk to your doctor before beginning a course of supplements.

Issels®: The Leader in State-of-the-Art Immuno-Oncology

A healthy diet is part of the integrative approach we follow at Issels®. Contact us to learn how our non-toxic immunotherapy for cancer treatment is tailored to accommodate your individual lifestyle, environment and other factors.

Caring for yourself is an important part of coping with cancer. When you eat the right foods, your body gets the nutrients and energy it needs. Some types of cancer treatments can make it hard for you to eat as you normally would, though. The following cancer care tips can help ensure that you’re able to eat healthy during treatment.

Limit Certain Kinds of Fruits

Eat smaller amounts of fruits with high levels of fructose, such as apples and melons, since your small intestine might have trouble digesting these. Focus on eating fruits with lower levels of fructose, such as berries and bananas.

Cook or Blend Vegetables

Raw vegetables with fiber can be hard to digest. Don’t limit these vegetables, but make sure you either blend them to make a smoothie or cook them. Cooking or blending them makes it easier for your body to digest them.

Be Cautious With Dairy

Some cancer treatments can make you lactose intolerant, although this doesn’t last. Eat small amounts of dairy at a time, and watch for signs of intolerance, such as bloating and gas.

Add Ginger

Ginger can help soothe an upset stomach in those undergoing cancer treatments. Ask your doctor about taking a ginger supplement, or put a small amount of ground ginger in tea.

Avoid Fried Foods

Fried foods that contain a lot of fat can be difficult for your digestive system to handle. Fill up on cooked vegetables and whole grains instead.

Nutrition is just one part of caring for yourself while dealing with cancer. For more help with feeling healthier, contact Issels® for information on personalized non-toxic cancer treatments, such as immunotherapy.

Herbs and other supplements can provide an added boost for patients with cancer. In many cases, alternative cancer therapies can succeed where standard therapies have failed.

However, in some cases, complementary medicines that are recommended for some patients can actually have adverse effects on certain other patients. An herb may be excellent for one form of cancer and hazardous for another. In all cases, patients should confirm recommendations with a doctor before taking supplements.

These products may not be prescription drugs, but they do have a powerful ability to interact with chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and anti-cancer medicines.

Below are common supplements with anti-cancer properties that may also cause serious problems if taken during other treatments. Consult the American Cancer Society website or other trusted sources for a helpful guide to vitamins, minerals, and herbal medicines.

1. Fish oil: May induce bleeding if you have a low platelet count.

2. Ginger: Also may induce bleeding.

3. Turmeric: Could decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy — or increase the effects, with toxic results.

5. Milk thistle: May affect estrogen levels, which could pose an issue for breast or ovarian cancer.

6. Licorice: Also may affect estrogen levels.

7. Green tea: Negates the benefits of certain anti-cancer drugs.

8. Reishi mushroom: May interfere with certain drugs or chemotherapy.

9. Astragalus: May interfere with certain immunosuppressants.

10. Acidophilus: May cause infections or other problems if taken during chemotherapy.

Despite the risks for some patients, these substances do have successful results for many people. Issels® Integrative Immuno-Oncology can always help with information about alternative cancer treatment.

As noted in our previous post, a cancer diagnosis does not exempt you from the aches and pains of daily life. When these occur, many cancer patients prefer to turn to natural solutions. Many foods are known to help alleviate certain aches and pains and carry the additional benefit of boosting the immune system. Always talk to your Issels treatment team before adopting home remedies or adding supplements to your diet.Here are some additional pain-fighting foods and home remedies:

Red grapes are rich in resveratrol which blocks tissue-damaging enzymes and can help ease the back pain associated with cartilage damage. Blueberries, cranberries and red wine are other potent sources of resveratrol and also contain powerful antioxidants that promote a healthy immune system.

Soyprotein has the potential to decrease osteoarthritis pain. The isoflavones (plant hormones) in soy have anti-inflammatory properties. A daily dose of 40 grams of soy protein is recommended and patience is required. It can take 2 to 3 weeks to take effect and a significant decrease in pain may not be felt for several months, but the effects can be significant with pain levels dropping by as much as 50%. Soy protein is found in tofu, soy milk and edamame.

Cherries contain high levels of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that decrease inflammation and may help ease arthritis pain.

Fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon, halibut, snapper and tuna may have a positive effect on chronic pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, migraines and other autoimmune diseases. For greatest benefit, add fish to your diet 2 or 3 times a week.